With the win, ETSU will take on No. 2 UNCG in the semifinals on Friday, Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Betts Stadium on Mercer’s campus.

In a back-and-forth struggle, the two sides each fired six shots apiece. But it was sophomore forward Sarah Connolly (Ballygowan, Northern Ireland) with the difference maker, scoring the game-winning goal in the 80th minute to send ETSU to Macon.

“It was a massive win, a great performance and a fantastic result,” said ETSU head coach Adam Sayers. “It was obviously a very tight game — as it always is with Mercer — as they are very physical and althletic, very well coached, very well drilled and very well disciplined. We knew we would have to match that and play well, and they girls were absolutely fantastic.”

Connolly’s goal came after a corner from Kendall King (Charlotte, N.C.), as the set piece landed near Eleonora Goldoni (Ferrara, Italy). Goldoni flicked it over to Connolly, who broke free out of the pack and drove it through for the score.

Connolly picked up her eighth goal of the year, while Goldoni picked up her fourth assist. King also earned her first-career assist on the play.

The ETSU defense was equally sound, as the Bucs limited Mercer to zero shots in the second half. Furthermore, senior Lea Ann Cutshall (Johnson City, Tenn.) had four saves and broke the all-time record for career saves — passing her former teammate Jasmine Elliot. Cutshall now has 222 for her career, including 109 this season.

Another record fell in the win, as senior defender Isabel Hodgson (Adelaide, Australia) made her 77th career appearance. Hodgson has now played in more games for the Bucs than any other player, missing only one game in her career. She passes former teammate Cecilia Re (2013-16) for the record.

ETSU will have five days to prepare for Friday’s semifinal match. The winner of ETSU and UNCG will advance to the championship to play either No. 1 Samford or No. 5 Furman on Sunday, Nov. 4.

For more Southern Conference tournament information, see the “related links” box on the right-hand side of the page.

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